---
title: Critical Documents for Older Adults
description: Are you prepared for life’s emergency situations? Presbyterian Homes will help you prepare so you can avoid the stress, expense, and inconvenience of looking for critical documents under emergency situations.
image: https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/hubfs/Retirement-Planning-Critical-Documents-150x150.jpg
---

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# Presbyterian Homes Blog

# Critical Documents for Older Adults

Posted by [Presbyterian Homes](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/author/presbyterian-homes) on Jan 31, 2019 8:44:43 AM

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![ Senior couple reviewing critical documents at a table with a binder of documents and desktop computer.](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Retirement-Planning-Critical-Documents-750x422.jpeg?width=750&name=Retirement-Planning-Critical-Documents-750x422.jpeg)

Life’s emergency situations require advance preparation and planning. [Being prepared](https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/organizing-your-important-documents) will help you avoid the stress, expense, and inconvenience of looking for critical documents under emergency situations.

The first step is to organize your papers:

• Do you have an appropriate place for each document?

• Have you told anyone else where you keep your vital information?

• Have you shared your wishes in the event you are unable to speak for yourself?

## **Take Action Now to Avoid Financial Problems Later**

Use the list of personal documents below to create a log. For your personal documents log, it’s[a good idea to locate each document](https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2018/replacing-important-documents.html?intcmp=AE-CAR-LEG-EOA1), then make a list of them and their locations (as well as any relevant information) for family members or friends to use in an emergency situation.  

Before getting started, remember the following tips:

- Always store original documents in a safe location that is accessible day and night, seven days a week.
- Make sure key family members and advisors have copies of this information and related documents.
- Review your Personal Documents Log every three to six months for possible revisions and updates.

## **Personal Documents Log**

When logging information for the following list, keep in mind any account numbers, names associated with the account, or any important information someone would need to know regarding your possessions or accounts.

1. ### **PIN Numbers/Access Codes**
2. ### **Computer & Internet Usage**
3. ### **Personal Bank Accounts**
4. ### **Automatic Bill Paying**
5. ### **Paid Liens Against Property**
6. ### **Loans**
7. ### **Business Bank Account**
8. ### **Credit Union**
9. ### **Company Pension**
10. ### **Retirement Account**
11. ### **Savings Certificate**
12. ### **Savings Bond**
13. ### **Stock Certificate**
14. ### **Safe-Deposit Box**
15. ### **Will, Trust, and Living Will**
16. ### **Power of Attorney for Property**
17. ### **Power of Attorney for Health Care**
18. ### **Letters of Instruction**
19. ### **Funeral Instructions/Memorial Services**
20. ### **Social Security**
21. ### **Military Discharge Papers**
22. ### **Income Tax Filings**
23. ### **Passport**
24. ### **Driver’s License**
25. ### **Credit Cards/Charge Accounts**
26. ### **Health Care Insurance**
27. ### **Long-Term Care Insurance**
28. ### **Dental Records**
29. ### **Life Insurance**
30. ### **Disability Insurance**
31. ### **Homeowner’s Insurance**
32. ### **Real Estate Investment Insurance**
33. ### **Business Insurance**
34. ### **Liability Insurance**
35. ### **Vehicle Insurance**
36. ### **Vehicle**
37. ### **Valuables Insurance**
38. ### **Real Estate Ownership Documents**
39. ### **Cemetery Plot**
40. ### **Items in Storage**
41. ### **Items Borrowed**
42. ### **Medical History/Birth Record**
43. ### **Marriage License/Divorce Decree**
44. ### **Employment History**
45. ### **Father’s History**
46. ### **Mother’s History**
47. ### **Dependents**
48. ### **Grown Children-- No Longer Dependents**

## **Peace of Mind at Presbyterian Homes**

Planning for the future? At Presbyterian Homes, we provide peace of mind to all residents by offering a full continuum of care and helping them to plan for their future. When you become a member of a Presbyterian Homes community, you’ll gain access to independent and assisted living options, rehabilitation services, memory support, skilled nursing, and so much more. That way, you can relax and enjoy your life without worrying about future care. [Explore our communities](https://presbyterianhomes.org/our-communities/) and find out which best fits your lifestyle.

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